A Detailed Comparison of the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier.

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Afghan Hound Versus Black Russian Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Afghan Hound and for the Black Russian Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Afghan Hound or the Black Russian Terrier.

Afghan Hound versus Black Russian Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Afghan Hound is a large-sized dog while the Black Russian Terrier is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Afghan Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Black Russian Terrier belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Afghan Hound versus Black Russian Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Afghan Hound to the Black Russian Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier

Factor Afghan Hound Black Russian Terrier
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 11 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 1/5
Height 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Weight 50 to 60 pounds 80 to 140 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 10.5 years
Average Price $2290 $3050
Price Range $1912 – $2500 $2600 – $3500
Temperament Score 72.7 percent 93.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Afghan Hound in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Black Russian Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Afghan Hound is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Black Russian Terrier is 74 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Afghan Hound is a better pet than the Black Russian Terrier. So, you should get the Afghan Hound!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are most different:

    • Afghan Hounds are not easy to train. However, Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.
    • Afghan Hounds do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Black Russian Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier

    The Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are very playful.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Size Comparison of Afghan Hound versus Black Russian Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier.

    Afghan Hounds weigh 50 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Afghan Hounds are 24 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Black Russian Terriers weigh 80 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Black Russian Terriers are 26 to 28 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Afghan Hound versus Black Russian Terrier

    The lifespan of Afghan Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Afghan Hounds is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is between 10 to 11 years. The average lifespan of Black Russian Terriers is 10.5 years.

    Afghan Hounds live longer than Black Russian Terriers.

    Temperament of the Black Russian Terrier Versus the Afghan Hound

    The Black Russian Terrier has a better temperament than the Afghan Hound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Black Russian Terrier is 93.9 percent while the temperament score for the Afghan Hound is 72.7 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 72.7 percent, the Afghan Hound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 93.9 percent, the Black Russian Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 165 Afghan Hounds and 164 Black Russian Terriers.

    Price of Afghan Hound versus Price of Black Russian Terrier

    The average price of the Afghan Hound puppy is $2290. The price of the Afghan Hound typically ranges from $1912 – $2500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Afghan Hound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Black Russian Terrier puppy is $3050. The price of the Black Russian Terrier typically ranges from $2600 – $3500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 9 Black Russian Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Black Russian Terrier is more expensive than the Afghan Hound.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Afghan Hound and Black Russian Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Afghan Hound puppies or how many Black Russian Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Afghan Hounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Black Russian Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Afghan Hound puppy or the Black Russian Terrier puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Afghan Hound versus Health Problems of Black Russian Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Black Russian Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Afghan Hound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Black Russian Terrier than for the Afghan Hound.

    3 health tests are recommended for Afghan Hound while 7 tests are recommended for the Black Russian Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Afghan Hounds and in Black Russian Terriers.

    Afghan Hound Health Problems

    Afghan Hounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Afghan Hound puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Afghan Hound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Afghan Hound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Afghan Hounds for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Afghan Hounds here.

    Black Russian Terrier Health Problems

    Black Russian Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Black Russian Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Black Russian Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Black Russian Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Black Russian Terriers for:

  • Agouti DNA Test
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dominant Black DNA Test
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Juvenile Laryngeal Paralysis & Polyneuropathy

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Black Russian Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Afghan Hound versus Black Russian Terrier

    Afghan Hounds do not like to be left alone.

    Black Russian Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Afghan Hounds shed more than Black Russian Terriers?

    Afghan Hounds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Black Russian Terriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Afghan Hound or the Black Russian Terrier

    Afghan Hounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Black Russian Terriers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Afghan Hound or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Afghan Hounds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Black Russian Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Afghan Hound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Afghan Hounds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Black Russian Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Afghan Hounds Bark and Howl? What about Black Russian Terriers?

    Afghan Hounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Black Russian Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Black Russian Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Afghan Hound vs. Black Russian Terrier

    Afghan Hounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Black Russian Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Afghan Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Black Russian Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Afghan Hounds can tolerate hot weather.

    Black Russian Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Afghan Hound or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Afghan Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    Black Russian Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Afghan Hounds good family dogs? What about Black Russian Terriers?

    Afghan Hounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Black Russian Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Afghan Hounds and Black Russian Terriers?

    Afghan Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Black Russian Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Afghan Hound Easier to Train than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Afghan Hounds are not easy to train.

    Black Russian Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Afghan Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the Black Russian Terrier?

    Afghan Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Black Russian Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Afghan Hound or the Black Russian Terrier?

    Afghan Hounds are OK for new dog owners.

    Black Russian Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Afghan Hound versus Black Russian Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Afghan Hound and the Black Russian Terrier better suits you and your family.